Cancer is a devastating disease, but it can be overcome. This past weekend, many survivors gathered in Decatur to honor their bravery, strength, and determination in the face of cancer.
Meeting a cancer survivor and listening to their story is a rare experience, but at the National Cancer Survivor’s Day event on Saturday, Jill Baltimore shared her journey from diagnosis to remission.
“They found a suspicious mass and wanted to do some more testing,” Baltimore said.
Baltimore went in last year for a routine mammogram and was sent to get a biopsy.
“I got the results and I saw you saw the language on there, carcinoma. But I was in denial,” Baltimore said.
She had stage one breast cancer. And the battle began.
“I got surgery scheduled and then recovering from surgery,” Baltimore said, “I had a lumpectomy on my left breast.”
The doctors removed a lump about the size of an egg.
“Recovery, I had radiation, 21 treatments of radiation. And now I’m here,” Baltimore said.
Baltimore has a follow-up appointment in September to confirm she’s completely free of cancer, but she already considers herself a survivor. She was among the many attendees at Fairview Park who had similar tales to tell.
“You’re considered a survivor at the moment you have a diagnosis. So when they can come out and see other survivors, it’s such an uplift for them,” Counselor Shannon Nail said.
She said that’s why St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur Memorial and Cancer Care Specialist put it on. But the providers who work side by side with patients say they gain from this as well.
“After fighting such a strong battle, when they can come out and enjoy and dance and eat and give their stories, you know, give their testimonies, it’s a great feeling for us,” Nurse Practitioner Christel Wheeler said.
The event featured a free meal and a live performance. Even at a lighthearted event Baltimore has a serious message she wants to share with people.
“It’s very important for all women, even men, if they feel something, even the slightest little hard thing, to get it checked out. And don’t be afraid,” Baltimore said.
Baltimore said she enjoyed the event. She was encouraged by seeing other people who have beaten the same disease she has and plans to come back every year she can.
